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How to Watch TV Without Cable in the USA (2026 Guide)

Antenna, streaming apps, live TV services and IPTV: every way to cut the cord, compared.

You do not need cable to watch live TV anymore. These are the main options, from free to all-in-one.

1. An over-the-air antenna

Free local broadcast channels in HD. Great for local news, but no cable channels.

2. On-demand streaming apps

Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and others are great for series and movies, but have little or no live TV, and the monthly costs add up.

3. Live TV streaming services

Services such as YouTube TV or Sling TV offer cable-style channels over the internet, typically at $40–$80+ a month.

4. IPTV subscriptions

Live channels, sports and a large on-demand library in one app, usually at a much lower price, from about $5 a month on a yearly plan.

What you need for any option

  • A home internet connection (15 Mbps+ for HD).
  • A Smart TV, streaming stick or box.

Our suggestion

Many households combine a free antenna for local news with one main service for everything else. Compare with IPTV vs cable.